Graduate School Operation Level Orange Update

Dear Student,

By now you should be aware that the University has moved its operating level from Yellow to Orange. This is in response to a recent increase in the number of confirmed on-campus COVID-19 cases. The goal of moving to Orange Status is to pause activities that are most likely to allow further spread of infection and to evaluate the prevalence of the virus while slowing its pace and determining if further steps will be required to contain it.

What you need to know:

• The Graduate School will not be recommending any changes to teaching modalities currently in place. If there is a need to make an adjustment to a particular course or lab you will be informed directly by the instructor, faculty director or supervisor. At this time there have been no known cases of the transmission of COVID-19 in a classroom setting at WFU.
• Access to the Reynolda, Wake Downtown and Brookstown campuses will remain unrestricted. That being said, it is strongly recommended that students access campus only for in-person classes, research labs and essential activities. Limiting visits to campuses for other purposes can positively reduce risk factors.

Steps you can take:

• Remain vigilant about the importance of practicing public health safety protocols. Mask wearing, social distancing, hand washing and the other safety measures that have been put in place to protect our community are our best means of working towards regaining control of the virus and avoiding the disruptions of last spring.
• Our experts believe that the increased infections on campus are caused by casual interactions with friends, social gatherings, and going out to bars and restaurants. Therefore, be aware of the added risks associated with these activities and adjust your behavior in these spaces accordingly, as they are where we know that viral transmission is most likely to occur.
• Continue to be attentive to WFU gathering limits. Keep indoor gatherings to 10 people and outdoor gatherings to 25 people. If you are in a group gathering, observe social distancing requirements and the use of face masks.

The University’s academic and administrative leaders are working closely with public health experts to carefully monitor and assess the situation. It is our hope that with everyone’s hard work and cooperation we can reverse this recent trend and return to Operating Status Yellow.

Please stay healthy and safe,
The Graduate School